Systems, methods, and devices for frame-mounted pedal cadence sensor

ABSTRACT

An activity tracker includes a device that includes a sensor component, a radio, and a mounting member. The sensor component is configured to obtain bicycle route information based on information from one or more sensors. The sensor component detects pedal proximity and calculates a pedal rotation speed based on data provided by an integrated pedal cadence sensor. The radio is configured to wirelessly communicate the bicycle route information to a remote computing device. The mounting members are for mounting the device to a bicycle frame.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to activity tracking and moreparticularly relates to tracking routes and activity on a bicycle orother human powered transportation vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Human powered transportation vehicles, such as bicycles, can be pedaledor otherwise powered by human riders to provide transportation. Bicyclesand other human powered transportation vehicles have been gainingpopularity and provide for a significant amount of leisure, commuter, orcommercial transportation. In fact, the number of bicyclists in citiesis growing as a year-over-year trend. In some cases, it is useful oreven necessary for bicyclists or bicycle owners to track commute orriding activities. This data may be useful for both for personalinterests as well as the interests of city planners, automobile makers,etc.

Users of human powered transportation vehicles need a data collectionsystem that is both safe and secure. At the same time, these users needa device that is discrete so as to not draw extra attention to the humanpowered transportation vehicle thus providing an added incentive for awould-be thief to steal the human powered transportation vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system forcollecting data for the use and routes of a human powered transportationvehicle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an activity tracker,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of an activity tracker, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of an activity tracker, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an activity tracker with a removableportion removed, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a removable portion removed, accordingto one embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate views during coupling of a removable portion witha housing of an activity tracker, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an activity tracker mounted on a bicycleframe, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of an activity tracker and waterbottle cage mounted on a bicycle frame, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of an activity tracker withintegrated pedal cadence sensor mounted on a bicycle frame, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method forobtaining route information including pedal cadence information,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicants have developed and herein present systems, methods, anddevices for gathering information about routes or activity for bicyclesor other human powered transportation vehicles. According to oneembodiment, an activity tracker may be mounted or integrated into abicycle for collecting data. The activity tracker may also be referredto herein as a data collection device. The activity tracker may enableconnected bicycle applications and systems to provide highly valuabledata to consumers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) alike. Inone embodiment, the activity tracker uses a wireless connection andbicycle motion to properly connect over Bluetooth and stream data to auser's phone or directly to the cloud. In another embodiment, theactivity tracker stores data locally and periodically synchronizes withanother device or system using a cable or wireless interface. Becausethe activity tracker, or a portion of the activity tracker, may remainwith a bicycle when it is locked or left in a public location, theactivity tracker may have a discrete profile so as to not draw extraattention to limit providing an added incentive for a thief to steal thebicycle.

According to one embodiment, the activity tracker may be securelyattached to a bicycle or other human transportation vehicle. In oneembodiment, the activity tracker does not need to be removed from thebicycle for synchronization, data communication, or recharging. Forexample, the activity tracker may be rigidly attached to the bicycleusing a water bottle cage having holes or secure zip ties anywhere onthe frame. Locking bolts or secure zip ties may prevent a thief fromtaking or stealing the activity tracker. In one embodiment, the activitytracker includes a removable battery pack so that the device can berecharged without having to remove the activity tracker itself or a mainportion of the activity tracker. The activity tracker or data collectiondevice may have a wireless transceiver so that the data collected fromthe bicycle can be transmitted to a user's smart phone (e.g., viaBluetooth) or to a remote server (e.g., via a wireless mobile networksuch as a cellular network).

In one embodiment, the activity tracker includes a mounting member ormechanism for attaching or mounting the activity tracker to a bicycle orother human powered transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, themounting member may be configured for attachment to a bicycle usingstandardized holes and hole spacing to match a water bottle holder. Manybicycles, as manufactured, use the same spacing and size for screw/boltholes that can be used for mounting water bottle cages. In oneembodiment, the design utilizes this common interface such that a datacollection device can be installed on almost any bicycle. The activitytracker device can be installed with normal bolts or tamper-resistantbolts to limit chances that the device will be stolen. Alternatively oradditionally, the activity tracker may include zip tie holes integratedinto a chassis or housing of the activity tracker so that the activitytracker can be securely installed anywhere else on the bicycle (or otherhuman powered transportation vehicle) in the absence of standardizedwater bottle cage holes. In one embodiment, a water bottle cage may bemounted on top of the activity tracker, thus allowing a cyclist or otherrider to easily bring water bottles with them.

In one embodiment, the activity tracker comprises a removable battery.The activity tracker may include a removable portion that includes arechargeable battery so that the rest of the activity tracker can remainon the bicycle (e.g., securely mounted) while the battery is recharged.Also, because the battery is removable, there may be no need to bringthe bicycle (or the whole activity tracker or chassis/housing) to alocation where an electrical outlet or charging port is available. Forexample, the bicycle and activity tracker may be able to remain in abicycle storage location, such as a garage, shed, or the like, where noelectrical power is available. The battery pack, or removable portion,may include or form an environmental seal with the housing or chassis ofthe activity tracker to protect from water, dirt, or other environmentalconditions.

In one embodiment, the removable portion includes electrodes forproviding selective electrical communication between the battery and aremaining portion of the activity tracker. Similarly, the electrodes mayselectively establish electrical communication with a battery charger.In one embodiment, the electrodes may include exposed conductivesurfaces, electrode posts, or the like. In one embodiment, the removableportion may include a universal serial bus (USB) port for charging thebattery. In one embodiment, a USB port, charging electrodes, or the likeare surrounded by an elastomer or seal material that provides anenvironmental seal. The housing and removable portion may includeattachment or interaction mechanisms to hold the removable portionfirmly attached and against the housing to maintain the seal. Similarly,the removable portion, when attached, is held firmly so that the batterydoes not fall off or become electrically disconnected during riding ortransportation.

According to one embodiment, an activity tracker includes a pedalcadence sensor. Cyclists, including recreational and commuter cyclists,often care about pedal cadence as they ride. Pedal cadence can be usefulin measuring rider performance. In one embodiment, pedal cadence mayalso be useful to embedded software of an activity tracker in order todetect whether or not a rider is actively riding the bicycle (e.g.,versus riding on a train or transporting a bicycle). Embodimentsdisclosed herein may include an activity tracker that includes a pedalsensor. With the activity tracker mounted on a frame of the bicycle(e.g., using zip ties or a water bottle holder mount) the activitytracker may provide a frame-mounted pedal proximity sensor, whichresides in a main body (or housing) of a data collection device oractivity tracker. A light-based or magnetic based sensor embedded in themain housing of the activity tracker may be used to detect the proximityof a pedal and thereby produce (for example) an average pedal rotationspeed. Pedal rotation may also useful from an internal operationperspective. For example, the activity tracker may only track/log datawhen it is detected that the rider is pedaling. An activity tracker witha built-in pedal proximity sensor may allow a user to omitinstallation/addition of a separate pedal cadence sensor. In this case,the rider needs only install the activity tracker to meet multipleneeds.

The term “human powered transportation vehicle,” as used herein, isgiven to mean any type of transportation vehicle whose movement ispowered by human input. Example human powered transportation vehiclesmay include vehicles such as a bicycle, recumbent bicycle, tricycle,pedal powered boat, or other pedal powered vehicle. Examples of othertypes of human powered transportation vehicles include scooters,skateboards, or the like. Some examples provided herein are given withrespect to certain types of human powered transportation devices, suchas with respect to a bicycle. However, such examples are given by way ofexample only and it is contemplated within the scope of the presentdisclosure that examples given with respect to one type of humantransportation device may be applied to other types of humantransportation devices.

Further embodiments and examples will be discussed in relation to thefigures below.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating asystem 100 for obtaining, tracking, and/or storing route data, activity,data or any other data gathered for a bicycle or human poweredtransportation vehicle. The system 100 includes an activity tracker 102device mounted on a human powered transportation vehicle. The activitytracker 102 may gather route data or any other information about theuse, location, or riding of the human powered transportation vehicle. Inone embodiment, the activity tracker 102 transmits the route data orother data for remote storage on an activity data system 104. Theactivity data system 104 may store and/or provide access to storedactivity data. The activity data system 104 may store data in a database106 or other data store. In one embodiment, the activity tracker 102 maytransmit data to the activity data system 104 via communication node108, such as a wireless access point, base station of a cellularcommunications network, or the like. The activity data system 104 mayforward the data for storage via a network 110, such as the Internet.

In one embodiment, the activity tracker 102 may include a radio that isconfigured to communicate with a smart phone 112 or other portablecommunication device of a user. For example, the activity tracker 102may transmit route data or other data to the smart phone 112, which maystore the data or forward the data on to the activity data system 104.The smart phone 112 may include an application that is configured toreceive, store, and/or access data. In one embodiment, the applicationmay provide an interface for data visualization, route information,activity data, or other information about the riding activity of a useron one or more human powered transportation vehicles. For example, theapplication on the smart phone 112 may allow a user to access or viewdata stored locally on the smart phone 112 and/or data stored by theactivity data system 104. In one embodiment, all data for a user, aplurality of users, a bicycle, or fleet of bicycles may be stored by theactivity data system 104 for later access or analysis.

Turning to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram is shown illustratingexample components of an activity tracker 102. In the depictedembodiment, the activity tracker 102 includes a sensor component 202, ahousing 204, one or more mounting members 206, a transceiver 208, amicrocontroller 210, a removable portion 212, and a coupling interface214.

The sensor component 202 obtains sensor data regarding the usage of ahuman powered transportation vehicle, such as a bicycle. The sensor datamay include information about a route traveled by the human poweredtransportation vehicle, such as information about a location, path,temperature, altitude, pedal cadence, time, vibration or accelerationinformation, or other information gathered by one or more sensors. Thesensor component 202 may store the route information or sensor data in amemory of the activity tracker 102 or sensor component 202. In oneembodiment, the route information may include any type of informationabout the usage of a bicycle or human powered transportation vehicle onwhich the activity tracker 102 is mounted or with which the activitytracker 102 is traveling. For example, bicycle riders may wish to seeinformation about distance traveled for a trip, time duration for atrip, altitude gained or lost, a map of a route, pedal cadence duringriding of one or more routes, acceleration during a route, or any otherinformation about the conditions, location, or route traveled by arider. In one embodiment, the sensor component 202 may also detect theoccurrence of events. For example, the sensor component 202 may detectevents such as the presence of a rider on the human poweredtransportation vehicle, the beginning of a trip, the ending of a trip,or other events that occur during riding of a human poweredtransportation vehicle.

The sensor component 202 may include one or more sensors 216 that areused to obtain data or information about the usage or routes of a humanpowered transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the sensors 216include a positioning system receiver, such as a receiver for a globalpositioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GLONASS),cellular network positioning system, or any other positioning system.The positioning system receiver may be used to obtain information abouta geographic location of the activity tracker 102 (and thus acorresponding human transportation device) such as latitude, longitude,altitude, or the like. In one embodiment, the sensors 216 include anaccelerometer for detecting acceleration events, orientation of thehuman powered transportation vehicle (e.g., leaning, upright, or thelike), bumps, impacts, or other changes in velocity or position of theactivity tracker. In one embodiment, the sensors 216 include athermometer for detecting a current temperature at or near the activitytracker 102. In one embodiment, the sensors 216 include a compass, suchas an electronic or magnetic compass, for determining a geographicorientation or heading of the activity tracker 102. In one embodiment,the sensors 216 include a barometer for detecting a current altitude,weather condition, or the like about a current location of the activitytracker 102. In one embodiment, the sensors 216 include a humiditysensor for detecting a current humidity or weather condition at alocation of the activity tracker 102. The sensors 216 may be integratedas part of and/or within the sensor component 202 or activity tracker102 for simplicity and robust operation. In one embodiment, one or moreof the sensors 216 may be located separate from or external to thesensor component 202 and/or the activity tracker 102. For example,external sensors may communicate with and provide sensor data to thesensor component 202.

In one embodiment, the sensor component 202 includes a pedal cadencesensor 218. See FIG. 10 and associated discussion. According to oneembodiment, the pedal cadence sensor 218 is integrated with the activitytracker 102 so that a separate device and/or mounting location are notneeded to obtain information about pedal cadence. In one embodiment, thepedal cadence sensor 218 may include a light-based or magnetic basedsensor that detects a pedal, or corresponding sensor or trigger portionon a pedal. Based on detected proximity, change in proximity, and/orcycle of detected peaks in proximity, the pedal cadence sensor 218 maycalculate a pedal rotation speed. The sensor component 202 may use thepedal cadence data to determine an average pedal rate of a rider. Basedon the pedal rate or the pedal cadence sensor 218, the sensor component202 may be able to determine whether a rider is currently riding on thehuman powered transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the sensorcomponent 202 only obtains and/or stores sensor data when it detectsthat a rider is riding a bicycle or human powered transportation vehiclethat the activity tracker 102 is riding with or mounted on.

The housing 204 provides a structural and/or protective cover forhousing one or more components of the activity tracker 102. The housing204 may include an exterior cover in which other components, such as thesensor component 202 and transceiver 208 are mounted or secured. Thehousing 204 may also provide a structural chassis on which otherportions of the activity tracker 102 can be mounted, secured, or coupledto provide a rigid structural body for other components. The housing 204may include or form one or more mounting members for securing thehousing 204 and/or the activity tracker 102 to a bicycle or humanpowered transportation vehicle. An example housing 204 is illustrated inFIGS. 3-8.

The mounting members 206 may include mechanical shapes or featuresformed by a chassis, housing 204, or other portion of the activitytracker 102 for mounting or securing the activity tracker 102 to abicycle or human powered transportation vehicle. See, for example, FIGS.3-4 and 8. In one embodiment, a mounting member 206 may include one ormore holes or slots passing through a housing 204 or chassis of theactivity tracker 102. The holes or slots may be spaced to match a bottlecage mounting location on a bicycle. For example, bicycles may include astandardized spacing, hole size, and locations for bolt holes formounting hardware or accessories, such as a bottle cage, a holder for apump, or the like. In embodiments where the mounting members 206 includeholes or slots with a spacing to match standardized mounts, the activitytracker 102 may be easily and securely mounted to bicycles or humanpowered transportation vehicles with matching mounting locations. In oneembodiment, a mounting member 206 may include one or more holes, slots,or grooves for receiving a zip tie for attachment to a frame of thebicycle or human powered transportation vehicle. The mounting members206 may be integrated within the housing 204 or chassis of the activitytracker 102. Using locking or anti-tamper bolts or zip ties, theactivity tracker 102 may be mounted to a bicycle or human poweredtransportation vehicle in a way that limits or prevents theft orunauthorized removal of the activity tracker 102.

The transceiver 208 is configured to provide wired or wirelesscommunication between the activity tracker 102 and another computing orcommunication device. In one embodiment, the transceiver 208 includes aradio which may be used to communicate route data or sensor data toanother device. For example, the transceiver 208 may include a radio forcommunicating over a cellular, wide area, or other mobile network (suchas a 3GPP, WiMax, or other wireless network). In one embodiment, thetransceiver 208 may be used for synchronizing or uploaded route data,sensor data, or other data gathered by the sensor component 202 forstorage and/or access at a cloud location or remote storage. As anotherexample, the transceiver 208 may include a radio for communicating witha nearby device, such as a Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other short distancecommunication standard. In one embodiment, the transceiver 208 isconfigured to communicate route data, sensor data, or other datagathered by the sensor component 202 to a smart phone or other computingdevice traveling with the activity tracker 102 (or a human poweredtransportation device with which the activity tracker 102 is traveling).The smart phone or other device may then store the data locally and/orforward the data to a remote or cloud location for storage and lateraccess.

The microcontroller 210 may include a processor for controllingoperation of the activity tracker 102. For example, the microcontroller210 may perform processing, data storage, data access, or otherfunctions for any of the other components of the activity tracker 102.In one embodiment, the microcontroller 210 may include a low powerprocessor for coordinating, triggering, or performing operations onbehalf of or based on the components of the activity tracker 102.

The removable portion 212 includes a portion of the activity tracker 102that is removable from a housing 204 or chassis of the activity tracker102. See, for example, FIGS. 3-7. For example, the removable portion 212may be selectively coupled or decoupled from the activity tracker 102 ata coupling interface 214. The removable portion 212 may include abattery 220 and a power/charging interface 222. The battery 220 mayinclude a rechargeable battery or battery pack. The power/charginginterface 222 may include contacts or electrode posts for providingelectrical communication with the battery 220. For example, thepower/charging interface 222 may interact or contact electrical surfacesor contacts on the coupling interface 214, when coupled, to power thesensor component 202, transceiver 208, microcontroller 210, and/or othercomponents of the activity tracker 102. The power/charging interface 222may include a physical port or contact for charging the battery 220. Inone embodiment, the power/charging interface 222 includes a USBinterface. In one embodiment, the power/charging interface 222 includesa wireless charging interface such as a wireless charging coil. In oneembodiment, the power/charging interface 222 may include a singleinterface (e.g., set of contacts) for both providing power to the sensorcomponent 202 and receiving power for charging the battery 220. In oneembodiment, the power/charging interface 222 may include two interfaces(e.g., two sets of contacts): one for providing power to the sensorcomponent 202; and another for receiving power for charging the battery220.

The coupling interface 214 comprises physical mechanisms and/or featuresfor securing the removable portion 212 to the rest of the activitytracker 102. See FIGS. 5-7, which illustrate an example couplinginterface 214 between a removable portion 212 and a housing 204 of anactivity tracker 102. In one embodiment, the coupling interface 214allows the removable portion 212 to be removable from the activitytracker 102 and/or the housing 204 when the housing 204 is mounted tothe bicycle. For example, the mounting member 206 may not be located onthe removable portion 212 so that any bolt, zip ties, or other fastenersor mechanisms used to attach the activity tracker to a bicycle or humanpowered transportation vehicle do not interfere with removal of theremovable portion 212.

The coupling interface 214 may provide a watertight or waterproof sealfor protecting electronic or electrical components of the activitytracker 102 from water, humidity, dirt, or other environmentalconditions. For example, the coupling interface 214 may provide awatertight seal that protects the power/charging interface 222 fromwater or rain. The coupling interface 214 or the removable portion 212may include an elastomer material that, when coupled, are pressedtogether to form a water tight seal around a region where thepower/charging interface 222 and/or other electrical components of theremovable portion 212 or coupling interface 214 are located. In oneembodiment, the coupling interface 214 provides a water tight sealaround electrical connectors for providing electrical communicationbetween the removable portion 212 and components in the housing 204. Inone embodiment, the coupling interface 214 provides a water tight sealaround a charging port on the removable portion 212 for charging thebattery 220.

The components 202-222 are given by way of illustration only and may notall be included in all embodiments. In fact, some embodiments mayinclude only one or any combination of two or more of the components202-222. Furthermore, some of the components 202-222 may be locatedoutside the activity tracker 102, such as within separate devices orsensors that are in communication with the activity tracker.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-11, example embodiments of an appearance andconfiguration of an activity tracker 102 are provided. FIG. 3 is aperspective top view of an activity tracker 102. The activity tracker102 comprises an elongated housing 204 with mounting members that formholes 302 for fastening/mounting the activity tracker 102 to anaccessory mount of a bicycle or other human powered transportationvehicle. In one embodiment, the holes 302 may form a slotted orun-slotted counter sunk M5 screw boss for tolerance. For example, aslotted hole or boss may allow for accommodations in slight differencesin distances between mounting locations for screws. A removable portion212 is shown in an attached configuration to the housing 204. Theactivity tracker 102 also includes a power/control button 304 and a LEDindicator area 306. The power/control button 304 may be used to powerthe activity tracker 102 on or off, trigger pairing with another device,trigger sensor data tracking, or the like. The LED indicator area 306may provide a region where LED indicators may light up to indicate acurrent status of the activity tracker 102. Example statuses mayinclude, powered on, powered off, paired, battery low, or the like.

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of an activity tracker 102. Thebottom end of the holes 302 is shown. Additionally, the activity tracker102 also includes zip tie holes 402, which pass through a portion of thebottom of the housing 204. The zip tie holes 402 may allow a zip tie topass through the zip tie holes 402 and around a frame or bar member of abicycle or human powered transportation vehicle to secure the activitytracker 102. For example, if no water bottle mounts are available, thezip tie holes 402 may be used. The activity tracker 102 also includeselastomer ridges 404. The elastomer ridges 404 act as a rubber protectorfor the paint or a surface of a bicycle frame or frame of a humanpowered transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the elastomer ridges402 are part of an internal seal of the activity tracker 102 to mitigatewater and dust intrusion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the activity tracker 102 with theremovable portion 212 removed so that it is not coupled to the housing204. A coupling member 502 is shown that extends from the housing 204and includes locking members 504 for engaging and locking the removableportion 212 to the housing 204. A coupling interface on the housingportion is also shown. The coupling interface includes electricalcontacts 506 for connecting with a battery or other electronic componentin the removable portion 212. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts506 include pads configured to contact terminals or posts on theremovable portion 212. For example, the electrical contacts 506 mayinclude spring loaded pins or pads (such as Pogo terminals).Alternatively or additionally, a USB port or interface may be includedfor connecting to a corresponding USB port on the removable portion 212.The electrical contacts 506, and/or other electrical or communicationports on the housing 204, may be surrounded by a sealing material 508.The sealing material 508 may include an elastomer or other material thatforms a water tight seal with the removable portion to protect theelectrical contacts 506 from water or environmental conditions.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a removable portion 212. The removableportion 212 is shown in an uncoupled configuration where the removableportion is removed from a housing 204 or remaining portion of anactivity tracker 102. The removable portion 212 includes terminals 602in electrical communication with a battery within the removable portion212. The terminals 602 may be sized and position to contact electricalcontacts on a housing 204 (such as the electrical contacts 506 shown inFIG. 5). The terminals 602 may include spring loaded terminals (such asPoGo terminals). The terminals 602 may be used to provide power tocomponents housed within a housing 204. The terminals 602 may be used toreceive power from a power source, such as a battery charger, toreplenish electrical energy within a battery. In one embodiment, theremovable portion 212 includes a USB port 604. The USB port 604 may alsoprovide electrical communication with the battery so that charging ofthe battery may be performed using a USB cable or port on a computingdevice or charging device. In one embodiment, the removable portion 212comprises a ridge or other physical portion corresponding to a seal onthe housing 204 to provide a water tight seal to protect the terminals602 and/or the USB port 604.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate coupling of a removable portion 212 with thehousing 204, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7A illustrates theremovable portion 212 in an uncoupled state, but is resting on thecoupling member 502. FIG. 7B illustrates a user, using a finger 702 topress the removable portion 212 down and toward the housing. In FIG. 7C,the removable portion 212 is in a coupled state and locked in place bythe coupling member 502. To remove a user may place their finger 702under an edge of the removable portion (for example, at the locationindicated at 704) and pry upward to unlock the removable portion fromthe coupling member 502. These FIGS. show the attachment mechanism forthe battery pack (or removable portion). As the removable portion isinstalled into the main housing, it is forced forward thus pressingagainst the seal (see FIG. 5). The applied force around the seal mayhelp ensure protection against water intrusion.

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram illustrating an activity tracker 102mounted on a frame 802 of a human powered transportation vehicle. Bolts804 are shown securing the housing 204 to the frame 802. The removableportion 212 is removable because the bolts do not pass through theremovable portion 212. In one embodiment, the bolts 804 may includetamper resistant bolts so that the housing 204 remains attached andlimits an unauthorized user from removing the housing 204. The removableportion 212 may be removed from the housing 204 and frame 802 to allow abattery to be recharged.

FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram illustrating a stacked configuration foran activity tracker 102 and water bottle cage 902 on a frame 802. Forexample, elongated bolts that pass through both the water bottle cage902 (or other accessory) and the activity tracker 102 may be used tosecure both the water bottle cage 902 and the activity tracker 102 tothe frame 802 at the same mounting location. The water bottle cage 902holds a water bottle 904 for use by a rider. Thus, the activity tracker102 may be used without any loss of mounting locations for use by otheraccessories. A removable portion 212 may still be removable even withthe activity tracker 102 and/or the water bottle cage 902 mounted on theframe 802.

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of an activity tracker 102 mounted ona frame 1002 of a human powered transportation vehicle, such as abicycle. The activity tracker 102 includes an integrated pedal cadencesensor 1004 (which may or may not be visible externally to the activitytracker 102). The pedal cadence sensor 1004 may detect the proximity ofa pedal 1006 or pedal crank arm 1008 using a light-based or magnetic-based sensor. For example, a sensor trigger may be positioned on thepedal 1006 or pedal crank arm 1008 to activate the pedal cadence sensor1004. For example, the sensor trigger may include a magnet, a coloredsticker or paint, or other material or item that can be detected by thepedal cadence sensor 1004. In one embodiment, the position of the pedalcadence sensor 1004 on or in the activity tracker 102 is configured toposition the pedal cadence sensor 1004 laterally from a pedal 1006 orpedal crank arm 1008 of a bicycle. For example, accessory mounts (suchas water bottle mounts) are often positioned on a vertical or angleddown tube extending between a sprocket shaft and a seat post or thehandle bars of a bicycle. The position of the pedal cadence sensor 1004with respect to holes with mounting members may be configured to placethe pedal cadence sensor 1004 at a location close enough (e.g.,horizontally near) to the pedal 1006 or pedal crank arm 1008 to sense amagnet or other sensor trigger.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart diagram of a method 1100 for activitytracking for a human powered transportation vehicle. The method 1100includes determining at 1102 whether the human powered transportationvehicle is being ridden based on detected pedal rotation. The method 110further includes obtaining at 1104, in response to determining that thehuman powered transportation vehicle is being ridden, route datacomprising pedal rotation data using an activity tracker with anintegrated pedal cadence sensor, such as pedal cadence sensor 1004. Themethod 1100 also includes wirelessly transmitting at 1106 the route dataand the pedal rotation data to a communication or computing device.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of an example computing device1200 is illustrated. Computing device 1200 may be used to performvarious procedures, such as those discussed herein. Computing device1200 can function as an activity tracker, server, a client, or any othercomputing entity. Computing device 1200 can perform various monitoringfunctions as discussed herein, and can execute one or more applicationprograms, such as the application programs or functionality describedherein. Computing device 1200 can be any of a wide variety of computingdevices, such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a servercomputer, a handheld computer, tablet computer and the like.

Computing device 1200 includes one or more processor(s) 1202, one ormore memory device(s) 1204, one or more interface(s) 1206, one or moremass storage device(s) 1208, one or more Input/Output (I/O) device(s)1210, and a display device 1230 all of which are coupled to a bus 1212.Processor(s) 1202 include one or more processors or controllers thatexecute instructions stored in memory device(s) 1204 and/or mass storagedevice(s) 1208. Processor(s) 1202 may also include various types ofcomputer-readable media, such as cache memory.

Memory device(s) 1204 include various computer-readable media, such asvolatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) 1214) and/ornonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 1216). Memory device(s)1204 may also include rewritable ROM, such as Flash memory.

Mass storage device(s) 1208 include various computer readable media,such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-statememory (e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. As shown in FIG. 12, aparticular mass storage device is a hard disk drive 1224. Various drivesmay also be included in mass storage device(s) 1208 to enable readingfrom and/or writing to the various computer readable media. Mass storagedevice(s) 1208 include removable media 1226 and/or non-removable media.

I/O device(s) 1210 include various devices that allow data and/or otherinformation to be input to or retrieved from computing device 1200.Example I/O device(s) 1210 include cursor control devices, keyboards,keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers,printers, network interface cards, modems, and the like.

Display device 1230 includes any type of device capable of displayinginformation to one or more users of computing device 1200. Examples ofdisplay device 1230 include a monitor, display terminal, videoprojection device, and the like.

Interface(s) 1206 include various interfaces that allow computing device1200 to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments.Example interface(s) 1206 may include any number of different networkinterfaces 1220, such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), widearea networks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet. Otherinterface(s) include user interface 1218 and peripheral device interface1222. The interface(s) 1206 may also include one or more user interfaceelements 1218. The interface(s) 1206 may also include one or moreperipheral interfaces such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices(mice, track pad, or any suitable user interface now known to those ofordinary skill in the field, or later discovered), keyboards, and thelike.

Bus 1212 allows processor(s) 1202, memory device(s) 1204, interface(s)1206, mass storage device(s) 1208, and I/O device(s) 1210 to communicatewith one another, as well as other devices or components coupled to bus1212. Bus 1212 represents one or more of several types of busstructures, such as a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE bus, USB bus, and soforth.

For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable programcomponents are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it isunderstood that such programs and components may reside at various timesin different storage components of computing device 1200, and areexecuted by processor(s) 1202. Alternatively, the systems and proceduresdescribed herein can be implemented in hardware, or a combination ofhardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed tocarry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 is a device that includes a sensor component, a radio, and amounting member. The sensor component is configured to obtain bicycleroute information based on information from one or more sensors. Thesensor component detects pedal proximity and calculates a pedal rotationspeed based on data provided by an integrated pedal cadence sensor. Theradio is configured to wirelessly communicate the bicycle routeinformation to a remote computing device. The mounting members are formounting the device to a bicycle frame.

In Example 2, the device in Example 1 includes housing that includes themounting members for mounting the housing to a bicycle.

In Example 3, the mounting member in Example 2 includes one or moreholes or slots passing through the housing. The one or more holes orslots are spaced to match a bottle cage mounting location on a bicycle.

In Example 4, the mounting member in any of Examples 2-3 includes one ormore holes, slots, or grooves for receiving a zip tie for attachment toa frame of the bicycle.

In Example 5, the radio in any of Examples 1-4 is configured tocommunicate the bicycle route information to a remote computing devicecomprising a portable computing device traveling with the bicycle.

In Example 6, the radio in any of Examples 1-5 is configured tocommunicate the bicycle route information to a remote computing devicevia a portable computing device traveling with the bicycle. The portablecomputing device communicates the bicycle route information to a serveror computing device over a wireless network.

In Example 7, the radio in any of Examples 1-6 includes a Bluetoothtransceiver.

In Example 8, the integrated pedal cadence sensor in any of Examples 1-7includes a light-based sensor.

In Example 9, the integrated pedal cadence sensor in any of Examples 1-8includes a magnetic-based sensor.

In Example 10, the sensor component in any of Examples 1-9 is configuredto determine whether a rider is currently pedaling.

In Example 11, the housing in any of Examples 1-10 houses one or more ofthe sensor component, the pedal cadence sensor, the radio, amicrocontroller, a positioning system receiver, an accelerometer, athermometer, a compass, a barometer, and a battery.

Example 12 is a human powered transportation vehicle that includes anactivity tracker that includes a sensor component, a radio, and ahousing. The sensor component is configured to obtain bicycle routeinformation based on information from one or more sensors. The sensorcomponent detects pedal proximity and calculates a pedal rotation speedbased on data provided by an integrated pedal cadence sensor. The radiois configured to wirelessly communicate the bicycle route information toa remote computing device. The housing includes mounting members formounting the housing member to a human powered transportation vehicleframe.

In Example 13, the housing in Example 12 includes a mounting member formounting the housing to a bicycle.

In Example 14, the mounting members in any of Examples 12-13 include oneor more of: one or more holes or slots passing through the housing andwherein the one or more holes or slots are spaced to match a bottle cagemounting location on a human powered transportation vehicle; and one ormore holes, slots, or grooves for receiving a zip tie for attachment toa frame of the human powered transportation vehicle.

In Example 15, the radio in any of Examples 12-14 is configured tocommunicate the bicycle route information to a remote computing devicecomprising a portable computing device traveling with the human poweredtransportation vehicle.

In Example 16, the radio in any of Examples 12-15 includes a Bluetoothtransceiver.

In Example 17, the integrated pedal cadence sensor in any of Examples12-16 includes a light-based sensor.

In Example 18, the integrated pedal cadence sensor in any of Examples12-17 includes a magnetic-based sensor.

In Example 19, the sensor component in any of Examples 12-18 isconfigured to determine whether a rider is currently pedaling.

In Example 20, the activity tracker in any of Examples 12-19 includes ahousing for housing one or more of the sensor component, the pedalcadence sensor, the radio, a microcontroller, a positioning systemreceiver, an accelerometer, a thermometer, a compass, a barometer, and abattery.

Example 21 is a system or device that includes means for implementing amethod, system, or device as in any of Examples 1-20.

In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may bepracticed. It is understood that other implementations may be utilizedand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. References in the specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicatethat the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, “autonomous vehicle” may be a vehicle that acts oroperates completely independent of a human driver; or may be a vehiclethat acts or operates independent of a human driver in some instanceswhile in other instances a human driver may be able to operate thevehicle; or may be a vehicle that is predominantly operated by a humandriver, but with the assistance of an automated driving/assistancesystem.

Implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed hereinmay comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computerincluding computer hardware, such as, for example, one or moreprocessors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementationswithin the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical andother computer-readable media for carrying or storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions arecomputer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carrycomputer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way ofexample, and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure cancomprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readablemedia: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM,solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory,phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to store desired program code means inthe form of computer-executable instructions or data structures andwhich can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed hereinmay communicate over a computer network. A “network” is defined as oneor more data links that enable the transport of electronic data betweencomputer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views theconnection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include anetwork and/or data links, which can be used to carry desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be includedwithin the scope of computer-readable media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. The computerexecutable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediateformat instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may bepracticed in network computing environments with many types of computersystem configurations, including, an in-dash vehicle computer, personalcomputers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors,hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches,various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performedin one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, oranalog components. For example, one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out one or moreof the systems and procedures described herein. Certain terms are usedthroughout the description and claims to refer to particular systemcomponents. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, components may bereferred to by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components that differ in name, but not function.

It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed above maycomprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, asensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one ormore processors, and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitrycontrolled by the computer code. These example devices are providedherein purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting.Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in furthertypes of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevantart(s).

At least some embodiments of the disclosure have been directed tocomputer program products comprising such logic (e.g., in the form ofsoftware) stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, whenexecuted in one or more data processing devices, causes a device tooperate as described herein.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilledin the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for thepurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of theaforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combinationdesired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have beendescribed and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to thespecific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appendedhereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications,and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a sensor componentconfigured to obtain bicycle route information based on information fromone or more sensors, wherein the sensor component detects pedalproximity and calculates a pedal rotation speed based on data providedby an integrated pedal cadence sensor; a radio configured to wirelesslycommunicate the bicycle route information to a remote computing device;and mounting members for mounting the device to a bicycle frame.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the housingcomprises the mounting members for mounting the device to a bicycle. 3.The device of claim 2, wherein the mounting member comprises one or moreholes or slots passing through the housing and wherein the one or moreholes or slots are spaced to match a bottle cage mounting location on abicycle.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the mounting member comprisesone or more holes, slots, or grooves for receiving a zip tie forattachment to a frame of the bicycle.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinthe radio is configured to communicate the bicycle route information toa remote computing device comprising a portable computing devicetraveling with the bicycle.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the radiois configured to communicate the bicycle route information to a remotecomputing device via a portable computing device traveling with thebicycle, wherein the portable computing device communicates the bicycleroute information to a server or computing device over a wirelessnetwork.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the radio comprises aBluetooth transceiver.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the integratedpedal cadence sensor comprises a light-based sensor.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the integrated pedal cadence sensor comprises amagnetic-based sensor.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensorcomponent if configured to determine whether a rider is currentlypedaling.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing houses one ormore of the sensor component, the pedal cadence sensor, the radio, amicrocontroller, a positioning system receiver, an accelerometer, athermometer, a compass, a barometer, and a battery.
 12. A human poweredtransportation vehicle comprising: an activity tracker, the activitytracker comprising: a sensor component configured to obtain routeinformation for a human powered transportation vehicle based oninformation from one or more sensors, wherein the sensor componentdetects pedal proximity and calculates a pedal rotation speed based ondata provided by an integrated pedal cadence sensor; a radio configuredto wirelessly communicate the route information to a remote computingdevice; and mounting members for mounting the activity tracker to ahuman powered transportation vehicle frame.
 13. The human poweredtransportation vehicle of claim 12, further comprising a housing,wherein the housing comprises the mounting members for mounting thehousing to a human powered transportation vehicle.
 14. The human poweredtransportation vehicle device of claim 13, wherein the mounting membercomprises one or more of: one or more holes or slots passing through thehousing and wherein the one or more holes or slots are spaced to match abottle cage mounting location on a human powered transportation vehicle;and one or more holes, slots, or grooves for receiving a zip tie forattachment to a frame of the human powered transportation vehicle. 15.The human powered transportation vehicle of claim 12, wherein the radiois configured to communicate the route information to a remote computingdevice comprising a portable computing device traveling with the humanpowered transportation vehicle.
 16. The human powered transportationvehicle of claim 12, wherein the radio comprises a Bluetoothtransceiver.
 17. The human powered transportation vehicle of claim 12,wherein the integrated pedal cadence sensor comprises a light-basedsensor.
 18. The human powered transportation vehicle of claim 12,wherein the integrated pedal cadence sensor comprises a magnetic-basedsensor.
 19. The human powered transportation vehicle of claim 12,wherein the sensor component is configured to determine whether a rideris currently pedaling.
 20. The human powered transportation vehicle ofclaim 12, wherein the housing houses one or more of the sensorcomponent, the pedal cadence sensor, the radio, a microcontroller, apositioning system receiver, an accelerometer, a thermometer, a compass,a barometer, and a battery.